Tanner's Impact Podcast

When teens experience difficulties at home, the only escape they sometimes see is to run away; which often leads to further and even greater harm due to their vulnerability. Kristen Mitchell, Executive Director of Youth Futures Utah (Youth Futures), became aware of this trend of teens suddenly becoming unsheltered, without family or other resources to turn to. When she determined that no other existing organizations were directly focused in this area, she founded Youth Futures to provide the needed shelter, support, resources, and guidance to youth experiencing homelessness—helping them move from crisis to stability and toward a healthier future. Tune in to this episode to hear powerful stories of youth who gained hope and healing with the help of Youth Futures!

When learning starts outdoors, something special happens. The benefits of being in nature are immeasurable, as are the benefits of intentional early childhood education. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, we learn more about Wonderbloom, Utah's first licensed nature-based preschool, from Lesley Gulledge, Outreach Specialist. Tune in to learn how they are helping the youngest among us learn, grow, and thrive through outdoor exploration and intentional early childhood education. Since the podcast was recorded, Wonderbloom has announced an exciting new partnership with Tracy Aviary, with plans to open a second location in 2026.

Families and communities are at the heart of our society. On this episode of the Impact Podcast, Kent Bowman, Scott Sorensen, Dan England, and Mark Durham highlight the Organization "Cities Strong Foundation" and its efforts to foster connection, improve education, and support mental health and legal immigration needs, as well as to fund neighborhood improvement projects. Tune in to learn more about their grassroots initiatives like days of service, school mentoring programs, and their partnerships with organizations like myHometown and The Good Samaritan Foundation.

We all need to eat to live, and the way we manage our food and food waste has a real impact. WasteLess Solutions was founded in 2018 and has since diverted millions of pounds of food from our landfills into the hands of members of the community who need it most. Join us on this Episode of the Impact Podcast with Alexx Goeller, CEO, as she shares the incredible ways the Organization, along with many volunteers, participate in food rescue, and many other important programs.

The Make-A-Wish Utah team believes in the power of hope. They work every day to grant heartfelt wishes to children battling critical illnesses. Transforming fear into confidence, sadness into joy, and anxiety into optimism. This power of hope is even backed by research, which shows that wishes can help children build the emotional and physical strength they need to fight their illnesses. Summer Ehrmann, Chief Development Officer, and Stephanie McAllister, Director of Corporate Relations, join us on this episode of the Impact podcast sharing wishes from meeting superheroes to exploring magical places, each wish brings healing, strength, and unforgettable memories.

Say hello to 47G, Utah's premier nonprofit ecosystem for aerospace, defense, and cyber innovation. Our first question to Aaron Starks, CEO of 47G, on the podcast was centered around the organization's name. It's a nod to both pushing human limits (like Col. John Stapp's record-breaking 47 Gs of force) and Utah's pioneering spirit (July 24, 1847, the day Utah's settlers arrived). We hope you'll listen to this episode to learn how 47G is on a mission to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship, and accelerate innovation across the state and beyond.

Did you know that 25% of Utah jobs rely on international trade? On this episode of the Tanner Impact podcast, Jonathan Freedman, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Utah, explains how they are leading efforts to support Utah businesses in international trade through their ecosystem of 2,600+ trade and investment partners. Utah businesses can tap into the expertise and extensive resources of World Trade Center Utah whether they are a sole proprietorship or a more mature business trying to begin or refine their international trade relationships.

From One Orphanage to a Global Movement What started out as a project to help one or two orphanages, has now grown into a global effort to support and sustain orphanages and related services throughout the world. On this episode of the Impact podcast, Kent White, Executive Director of A Child's Hope Foundation, shares about his more than 20 year involvement with the organization as it has grown from several humanitarian trips to now scaling their global "Collective" network of diverse stakeholders working towards improving the lives of children in vulnerable situations. The Collective offers NGOs, care providers, and government officials an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and access resources.

What's Your Switchpoint Moment? Have you ever made a decision that completely changed your path? In this episode of the Impact Podcast, we're joined by Carol Hollowell, Executive Director of Switchpoint, who shares with us the inspiring story behind this transformative organization. Switchpoint's innovative approach combines tailored services with participant-run enterprises to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty achieve self-reliance. 💡 Discover how they're creating lasting change. Tune in now!

Experiencing the outdoors and sports with a disability might just keep us indoors. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Caitlin Bognoski, Director of Development, and Tracy Meier, Chief Program & Education Officer, share about how the National Ability Center breaks down the barriers through adaptive sports for individuals and families across the nation. Whether water, land, or snow sports, the National Ability Center gives new opportunities for almost anyone of any age with a disability to experience adaptive sports.

In today's busy world, we sometimes take for granted the creative and inspiring art around us, whether it be paintings, dynamic displays, or even a customized "low rider" car. In this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Derek Dyer, Executive Director of Utah Arts Alliance, explores the history and future of the arts in Utah. Tune in to learn more about the Utah arts scene and the positive impact of Utah Arts Alliance.

LOVE. Among the most powerful forces in the world. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Tyler Bastian, Director of Roots Charter High School, shares how leading with love changes lives. Hear about Roots' unique approach to education and how they're changing the lives of youth who may otherwise not be in school. Roots integrates academics with real-life learning at their on-campus farm, fostering connections and supporting students through their formative years with an "unconditional love" approach.

In Utah, many of us are passionate about exploring the outdoor world and find much happiness as we participate in recreational activities, especially in the magnificent mountains of the Wasatch Front! In this episode of Tanner LLC's Impact Podcast, Don Webber, Communications Manager, and Eileen May-West, Program Director from Wasatch Adaptive Sports share with us how they empower people with disabilities to realize their potential through outdoor recreation.